Tyrant Chapter #2
I chuckled. “Well, I do like to mindfuck people, as you saw with Jean-Baptiste, but in this instance, no, I’m not.
I’d like to see if you have what it takes to be one of us.
We’re not angels by any means. Some would say we deserve what happened to the Jacquots to happen to us.
However, I like to think there are degrees of villainy.
Some may be needed. I need to know if you’re interested in it before we hold sanctuary tonight.
It requires the club to vote on it. If any of them disagree with offering it to you, I can’t do it.
However, I have a feeling they might say yes.
I don’t expect your answer now. Think about it.
Because even if they say yes and you prospect, you can still not get patched in or end up dead if you sell us out,” I warned him.
“I don’t need to think about it, Tyrant. If they’ll have me, then I’d love to prospect. And I know there’s no guarantee, but I swear I won’t backstab you unless you turn into men like Hugo and his boys. I draw the line at selling people,” he warned me.
I stood and held out my hand. “Then let’s see what they say.”
We shook on it and then spent a couple more minutes talking about his family and what this could mean for them before he left me to my work.
He expressed a desire for them to move to Turmoil so they could be closer to him and so he could keep an eye on them.
I told him we’d help him find a safe place for his family.
Those conversations happened hours ago. Now, I was bringing sanctuary to a close.
We’d met with the other two chapters first and then let them relax so we could conclude our chapter’s other business for the night.
I had one more thing to bring up. I caught Cobra’s gaze, and he raised his eyebrow.
It was time. I yelled for attention rather than rapping my knuckles on the tabletop.
They were still cut up and sore from beating Jean-Baptiste.
Lakelyn had been treating them with kisses and antibiotic ointment.
Everyone quieted down and gave me their full attention.
“One last thing, and then we can party. You all agreed with me the other day when I chose not to kill Rémi due to his family being used against him. I took him along for what we did to the Jacquots to see how he reacted, and even let him watch how we dealt with Mera when he asked. He knew his fate could change if he ever betrayed us.”
When I paused, I saw disbelief on several faces.
“Are you telling us he’s done that?” Smuggler asked angrily.
There were muttered exclamations of outrage. I held up my hand to get them to shut up, and they did.
“No, that’s not what I’m saying at all. He stood his ground.
He came to me earlier today to thank me for what we did and to express his desire to help us in the future in any capacity we might need.
He’s willing to do it as long as we never become human traffickers like the Jacquots.
I assured him it wouldn’t happen. However, I did ask if he’d be willing to modify his offer.
He asked how, and I explained. I want to know if my brothers will allow him to do either option—his or mine.
” I stopped. I liked to rile them up occasionally. I waited.
“Well, out with it. Do you want us to fucking beg?” Howler groused.
Cobra and I both laughed, and then I got to the point.
“I should, but since you asked so goddamn nicely, I’ll just tell you.
But the decision has to be unanimous. I want you to think before you cast your vote when I call for it.
The question is, who would be willing to allow him to prospect for a chance to become one of us?
God knows none of us are saints. Is his past too dark to allow it, or has he made you worry he can’t change or be trusted?
He knows that even if the offer stands, there’s no guarantee he’ll be patched in.
And he’s still willing to help if we decide not to do it. ”
This revelation sparked a loud murmur. I left them to talk for a good five minutes, but it didn’t last long because they all fell silent. There was no time like now to ask for their answers.
“All in favor of Rémi becoming a Kings’ prospect, raise your hand,” I demanded.
I watched as hand after hand shot in the air. When it was all said and done, not a single hand wasn’t raised. Satisfaction filled me. I smiled.
“It’s official. Rémi Matisse is now a prospect. Brutus, go get him and bring his ass in here,” I ordered.
While our enforcer fetched him, we sat there chatting about nothing in particular. When they entered the room, we fell silent and stared hard at Rémi. He held himself tall. He didn’t say a word but met my gaze straight on.
“I talked to the club about our earlier conversation. I thought it was only fair to let you know the vote result rather than drag it out. I’m sorry,” I told him.
The tiniest flash of disappointment was hidden. “It’s alright. I didn’t think it would happen, but I appreciate your offering to consider it, Tyrant. It doesn’t change my willingness to help.”
“Hold the fuck on and don’t speak until you’re asked to. Christ, these prospects get worse and worse,” Cobra grumbled.
It took Rémi a second or two to register what was said. When it did, he frowned. “What did you say?”
“He said you prospects keep getting worse,” I stated.
As his astonishment blossomed on his face, we broke out laughing. Then he was being mobbed as the club welcomed him with handshakes and backslaps. I was the last to do it.
“Thank you. You won’t regret this,” he assured me.
“I’d better not. Now, who’s ready to relax and party?” I shouted, earning loud cheers.